20 July, 2013: As the world record 17.48m diameter Hitachi-Zosen TBM that will bore the highway tunnel under downtown Seattle counts down to launch, a crowd of 5,000 local residents gathered to attend a special inauguration ceremony at the 80ft deep pit where Bertha will power up for her historic 14-month drive. Guests were invited to sign one of the giant concrete segments that will line the 2.7km-long tunnel. Washington State Governor Jay Inslee said: "This is a historic day. When I look down into this pit I don't just see a big machine I see determination, I see innovation, I see teamwork, I see a symbol of a community that worked together to move us forward." The double deck highway tunnel is scheduled to open in 2015, after which the 60-year-old earthquake-damaged Alaskan Way Viaduct it is replacing will be demolished.